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1.2A letter of introduction given by a government to an ambassador before a new posting.

‘It's only a month since I presented my credentials as Ambassador to President Purvanov.’

‘Today the new Ambassador to London presented his credentials to the Queen.’

‘He presented his credentials to the President in the Oval Office on the morning of June 10.’

‘Generally, these protections are given to persons holding letters of credentials from Foreign Ministers or other high-level authorisation.’

‘Meanwhile ambassadors of five countries presented their credentials to the Bulgarian President.’

‘Presenting her credentials to the president, the ambassador said she was the first American woman ambassador to South Africa.’

‘This transpired as the incoming German ambassador presented his credentials to the president in Pretoria.’

‘The King had reintroduced the ceremonial horse and carriage and tails requirement for Ambassadors presenting their credentials.’

Origin

Late Middle English: from medieval Latin credentialis, from credentia (see credence). The original use was as an adjective in the sense ‘giving credence to, recommending’, frequently in credential letters or papers, hence credentials (mid 17th century).